"His selection was a blunder" - Sanjay Manjrekar slams India's team combination for 5th BGT 2024-25 Test

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar questioned India's team selection for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Sydney. He termed all-rounder Washington Sundar's inclusion in the playing XI a blunder on a grassy surface at the SCG that was tailor-made for fast bowlers.

India went down to Australia by six wickets in the Sydney Test on Sunday, January 5. Resuming their second innings on 141-6, they were bundled out for 157 as Scott Boland registered figures of 6-45. Chasing a target of 162, Australia lost three wickets for 58 runs. However, they eventually cruised home to victory in 27 overs.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo after the conclusion of the final BGT 2024-25 Test, Manjrekar opined that India got their team selection horribly wrong, particularly when it came to picking Sundar in the playing XI. He stated:

"It's crazy when you think of an important place in that Indian Test XI in a marquee series. Barring that fifty, Washington Sundar hasn't contributed with the bat much. I think he's a highly talented bowler. But, he has a place when the pitch is turning overseas. And with Jadeja already there, Nitish Kumar Reddy as well, plus Washington Sundar as well. I thought his selection was a blunder on a pitch like this."

The 59-year-old added that India did a much better job with team selection during their previous BGT tour Down Under by backing specialists to perform their role adeptly. He elaborated:

"The last two tours to Australia, India didn't have a single player who was played because of his second skill. They always focused on his main skill and that was good enough to get him into the side. The other skill was a bonus. Here, I thought India went the England way, when England was not winning."

Sundar did not bowl a single over in India's first innings in Sydney and only one in the second essay, which turned out to be the last over of the match. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja also sent down only three overs in the game.

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Sundar's overall performance in BGT 2024-25

After impressing during the home series against New Zealand picking up a series high 16 wickets, Sundar was preferred over both Ravichandran Ashwin and Jadeja for the opening BGT 2024-25 Test in Perth. The 25-year-old scored 4 & 29 and picked up two wickets in Australia's second innings.

After missing the Day-Night Test in Adelaide and the rain-hit contest at The Gabba, he was recalled for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. He contributed a defiant 50 in the first innings but picked up only one wicket with his off-spin. In Sydney, Sundar was out for 14 & 12 and was hardly needed with the ball.